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Four Continents is typically not as intense as Euros in an Olympic year. With so much travel required for so many of the athletes, and the competition itself taking place to close to the Olympics, it’s not realistic for the top North American athletes to compete. Despite this, the event featured some fantastic skating from all parts of the world, including several very satisfying final competitive performances (Grant Hochstein and Elladj Balde have confirmed their retirements).

And, uh, not to scare anyone, but the Olympics start in a week and a half. On that note…

Thanks to these judges for sitting at The Judges’ Table during the 2018 Four Continents Championships!

Erica G.(@egaley)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’ve been figure skating for 27 years, and a Canadian Skating Official for the last 6. I still get giddy when I put on my skates and hit clean ice, and being an official has given me a whole new perspective on why we do what we do.Events judged: Skate Canada 2017, Four Continents 2018

Joseph K.(@thebrothaj)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Former skater (Back in the stone age of the early-mid 80’s… I had a FABULOUS quarter turned double lutz!) Skating fan for life.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Kostner, 2014 Sochi. Deserved silver.Events judged: Cup of China 2016, US Nationals 2017, NHK Trophy 2017, Four Continents 2018

Kara M. (@NamasteRead)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I took lessons when I was 12-15. Been a superfan since 2014.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? I still feel like Mirai Nagasu is underscored almost every time she skates.Events judged: Rostelecom Cup 2016, Russian Nationals 2016-2017, Cup of China 2017, Four Continents 2018

Kelly C.(@KACkelly)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I first became a figure skating fan during the 1994 Olympics, when I was staunchly #teamnancy. So began my life of rooting for the Ones Who Do Not Win. I was more of a casual viewer until 2014, when I fell back in love with watching the sport.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? I can’t choose. Justice for my faves!Events Judged: Four Continents 2018

Punk S.(@PunkSalchow)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I was raised exclusively on Michelle Kwan spirals.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Wakaba Higuchi 2017 Worlds.Events Judged: Four Continents 2018

Tiffany L. (@TiffLangston)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Stanning for skating since 1994! What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Any time Satoko Miyahara skated in the 2014-2015 season.Events judged: Skate America 2015, US Nationals 2016, Team Challenge Cup 2016, Rostelecom Cup 2016, World Championships 2017, Internationaux de France 2017, Four Continents 2018

LET’S GET JUDGING. Click “continue reading” below to continue. When you’re finished reading, leave a comment to let us know what you thought about Four Continents, how you think the real judges did, and how you think our judges did. If you disagree, sign up to judge an event later in the year and share your thoughts!

The 2018 European Championships only ended a few days ago, but the event may have already been overshadowed by the Russian Olympic Committee’s announcement that Ksenia Stolbova and Ivan Bukin may not be permitted to compete in South Korea as Olympic Athletes from Russia. We’ll here more from the IOC when the athletes are formally allowed to register in a few days, but the absence of members of the European podium in both dance and pairs certainly changes what we can expect from the rest of the season.

Thanks to these judges for sitting at The Judges’ Table during the 2018 European Championships!

Laura C.(@LaurillaC)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’ve watched figure skating all my life and decided following it more seriously at the age of 12, although I’ve never taken lessons. What I know about technique is all thanks to my friends and internet.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Rika Hongo – Riverdance.Events judged: Cup of China 2017, European Championships 2018

Matthew R. (@mrusskie93)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I was never a skater, but I started following the sport when I attended 2006 US Nationals in St. Louis. The experience of watching figure skating in person hooked me for life.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Satoko Miyahara throughout 2016 Worlds.Events judged: Grand Prix Final 2015, US Nationals 2016, Team Challenge Cup 2016, Throwback: 1994 Olympics Ladies, Russian Nationals 2015-2016, European Championships 2018

Senna W.(@pogosplat)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. A life-long fan who really became interested in the intricacies of skating post-IJS. I did not skate as a child and my only experience with figure skating is as a spectator.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Angelina Kuchvalska, 2016 Europeans.Events judged: European Championships 2018

Stephanie H. (@perfectlonely)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan, if any. I grew up in the era of the Kween, but wasn’t more than a casual watcher. It’s only since 2016 Worlds that I really started following it.Events judged: Cup of China 2017, European Championships 2018

TJ C. (@Tsk8c)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’m a national competitor in ice dancing who watches tons of skating in his free time. That’s a pretty good explanation of me as a person.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Jason Brown’s Skate America 2016 Free Skate.Events judged: Russian Nationals 2016-2017, Junior Worlds 2017, Junior Grand Prix Final 2017, European Championships 2018

LET’S GET JUDGING. Click “continue reading” below to continue. When you’re finished reading, leave a comment to let us know what you thought about the Japanese Nationals, how you think the real judges did, and how you think our judges did. If you disagree, sign up to judge an event later in the year and share your thoughts!

The first ISU championship of the year has begun! The 2018 European Championships kicked off this morning with the expected result of Javier Fernandez winning the men’s short program, but everything beyond that has been a bit of a surprise. The ladies event begins tomorrow with the pairs free closing out the evening; dance begins on Friday.

Thanks to these judges for sitting at The Judges’ Table this week for Euros!

Laura C.(@LaurillaC)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’ve watched figure skating all my life and decided following it more seriously at the age of 12, although I’ve never taken lessons. What I know about technique is all thanks to my friends and internet.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Rika Hongo – Riverdance.Events judged: Cup of China 2017, European Championships 2018

Matthew R. (@mrusskie93)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I was never a skater, but I started following the sport when I attended 2006 US Nationals in St. Louis. The experience of watching figure skating in person hooked me for life.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Satoko Miyahara throughout 2016 Worlds.Events judged: Grand Prix Final 2015, US Nationals 2016, Team Challenge Cup 2016, Throwback: 1994 Olympics Ladies, Russian Nationals 2015-2016, European Championships 2018

Senna W.(@pogosplat)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. A life-long fan who really became interested in the intricacies of skating post-IJS. I did not skate as a child and my only experience with figure skating is as a spectator.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Angelina Kuchvalska, 2016 Europeans.Events judged: European Championships 2018

Stephanie H. (@perfectlonely)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan, if any. I grew up in the era of the Kween, but wasn’t more than a casual watcher. It’s only since 2016 Worlds that I really started following it.Events judged: Cup of China 2017, European Championships 2018

TJ C. (@Tsk8c)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’m a national competitor in ice dancing who watches tons of skating in his free time. That’s a pretty good explanation of me as a person.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Jason Brown’s Skate America 2016 Free Skate.Events judged: Russian Nationals 2016-2017, Junior Worlds 2017, Junior Grand Prix Final 2017, European Championships 2018

That was a lot. I AM SO TIRED. Upsets and surprises were the main story of nearly every event. In the remaining competition, pairs, the top 3 teams all have impressive comeback stories that made their performances a delight to watch. Only Nathan Chen managed to defend his national title and few 2014 Olympians will be on the American team in Pyeongchang. I would put money on Canadian podiums this weekend being a little less surprising.

A side note: please reach out if videos are difficult to access. Media organizations have been removing videos from YouTube.

Thanks to these judges for sitting at The Judges’ Table during a crazy US nationals!

Craig S. (@timzbaygullls)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I competed Junior Pairs and Men until I was 20. I still show back up to the rink to throw down some triples every once in a while. I love tracking scores and make my own fantasy competitions with my best friends from the skating years!What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? The most recently skated program not by one of Eteri’s students.Events judged: US Nationals 2018

Grace W.|TumblrTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’ve never been a skater myself, but I’ve been a fan since 1998 and have attended 3 world championships, most recently in Helsinki in 2017.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Misha Ge’s free skate at the 2017 World Championships.Events judged: NHK 2016, World Team Trophy 2017, US Nationals 2018

Pinar G. (@pinar_gurel)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I have been skating since age 7, coached a little in high school and college, competed for Dartmouth College at the Intercollegiate level, and was a part of the 2012 Intercollegiate National Championship team. I am now competing in the adult circuit, 2016 pewter medalist at adult nationals championship master junior/senior level.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Marin Honda’s free program at 2017 Skate CanadaEvents judged: US Nationals 2018

Rylie S. (@rsmittay)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I have wanted to become a figure skater ever since I was little, when I first stepped foot on the ice at three years old. I enjoy following the figure skating season, and I have attended Stars on Ice. I will be attending Skate America in November. I have also won Summer With Team USA two years in a row.Events judged: US Nationals 2018

Samantha H. (@samantharrin)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I skated for 10 years growing up, and I’ve been watching skating as long as I can remember. I’m more likely to get emotional about a good quad loop than pretty choreo. But that place where really athletic meets really artistic is sublime.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Mao Asada’s long at Vancouver 2010 comes to mind.Events judged: US Nationals 2018

Sam H.(@quadlutze)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I was just the kid who was obsessed with Michelle Kwan but had no idea what was going on. Dropped the four year fan act in 2010 and never looked back.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Satoko Miyahara’s entire career.Events judged: Junior Grand Prix Final 2017, US Nationals 2018

LET’S GET JUDGING. Click “continue reading” below to continue. When you’re finished reading, leave a comment to let us know what you thought about the Japanese Nationals, how you think the real judges did, and how you think our judges did. If you disagree, sign up to judge an event later in the year and share your thoughts!

It’s been a minute! The Grand Prix Final took place a week and a half ago, giving you all plenty of time to forget about what went down. But as we look towards Japanese and Russian Nationals this week, what happened there becomes all the more important.

This seems like as good a time as any to apologize for the lateness of this post, and to remind everyone that The Judges’ Table is a labor (more than it feels like it should be!) of love run by one person. I’ve done my best to keep things moving, but I can’t always control when other people send me their responses or who drops out at the last minute, and how all of that interacts with my own schedule. The judges below all sent their responses in either super on-time or jumped in at the very last minute to be part of this post. Thanks to all of you for reading and to these judges, who who sat at The Judges’ Table for GPF 2017 and made this post possible 🙂

Ann J.(@annmjensen)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I skate a little myself. But I assist some fancy coaches with their schedule. Am also president of a club and often run or assist in running competitions.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? All North American dance in the 80s and 90s.Events judged: Grand Prix Final 2017

Mara B. (@missmaraskate)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan, if any. I’ve never been to a major event, but I did start taking lessons in June, and can now do a toe loop!Favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years: I do wish Weaver and Poje had scored .03 more in their FD at 2014 Worlds.Events judged: Skate America 2016, Junior Worlds 2017, Grand Prix Final 2017

Meghan D. (@DadeMeghan) |Figuratively SpeakingTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. A figure skating fan since wearing a Michelle Kwan replica necklace to elementary school. The highlight of my fandom is being in the building for Ashley Wagner’s world silver medal performance in Boston. What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Satoko Miyahara at the 2016 World Championships.Events judged: US Nationals 2016, Team Challenge Cup 2016, Throwback: 2002 Olympics Pairs, Cup of China 2016, World Team Trophy 2017, Grand Prix Final 2017

Roshni B. (@RoshniBhudia)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I watched the last group of men at 2014 US Nats and was instantly hooked. I then watched the Olympics, Junior Worlds, and Worlds and finally found a sport I enjoyed watching.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Weaver/Poje’s 2015 Worlds FD and Satoko Miyahara’s SP and FS at 2016 Worlds.Events Judged: World Team Trophy 2017, Grand Prix Final 2017

Ximena |YouTube|TumblrTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Managed a ticket to FaOI this summer, that’s the closest I’ve ever been to live figure skating.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Wakaba’s SP at COR this year!Events judged: Grand Prix Final 2015, Grand Prix Final 2016

LET’S GET JUDGING. Click “continue reading” below to continue. When you’re finished reading, leave a comment to let us know what you thought about the Grand Prix Final, how you think the real judges did, and how you think our judges did. If you disagree, sign up to judge an event later in the year and share your thoughts!

I’ve always felt there was a huge advantage to the skaters from whichever ISU national federation managed to snag the first Grand Prix of the year – starting the season out with that home crowd scoring boost definitely can’t hurt. Usually, the United States gets that honor, but since we began this season in Moscow, Russia doesn’t appear to have missed the opportunity to offer its skaters some home-cooked scores. Evegenia Medvedeva took home a 150-point gold despite falling, and some of our judges felt Canadians Gilles and Poirier were underscored in favor of budding Russian dancers Stepanova and Bukin (Piper, by the way, seems to agree). Another judge saw politicking in the Russian-swept pairs podium.

Regardless, Rostelecom offered some incredible performances and exciting moments. Nathan Chen established himself as a true contender after beating reigning Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu yet again. Wakaba Higuchi reminded us that, yes, she’s still here, and she’ll be fighting hard for one of Japan’s two ladies’ Olympic spots. Carolina Kostner proved that her three decades of experience – cue everyone calling her old – are going to be a benefit rather than a detriment in PyeongChang.

Thanks to these six judges for sitting at The Judges’ Table for Rostelecom!

Arlisse L.(@aethanie)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I grew up skating, but stopped after I learned how to do cross overs. Once, Mirai Nagasu retweeted my reaction to her triple axel and I actually cried a little bit.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Tatsuki Machida at 2014 Worlds.

Camden R.(@camdenrider) | YouTube ChannelTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I have skated for the last 11 years! Currently at the intermediate level. One time Ashley and Adam called me their son and that was my peak.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Satoko Miyahara’s free skate at 2017 Skate Canada.

Erin C.(@Erinsk8) | On Stage and ScreenTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I was a competitive skater for 10 years and also did some coaching. I fell in love with the sport while watching the drama of the 94 Olympics and have never looked back.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Belbin & Agosto at the 2010 Olympics.

Hannah C.(@hannahskates96) |A Skater’s PerspectiveTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I have been competing for 14 years. I am also a skating coach and hope to make that my career!What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Almost anything from Ashley Wagner.

Meghan B.(@meghanbartels)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I can’t tell loops from axels but I have strong feelings about costumes.

Patrick D.(@Team_PDD) | Patrick Commentates SkatingTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I lead figure skating prayer circles on twitter, make silly commentary videos, and spend way too much time tweeting about skating. Yay?Favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years: Mirai Nagasu’s SP at 2015 NHK Trophy.

LET’S GET JUDGING. Click “continue reading” below to continue. When you’re finished reading, leave a comment to let us know what you thought about Rostelecom Cup, how you think the real judges did, and how you think our judges did. If you disagree,sign up to judgean event later in the year and share your thoughts!

Welcome back to The Judges’ Table! The 2017-2018 season is nearly here. If you don’t normally follow skating, HAPPY OLYMPICS! And if you do…crap, the Olympics.

Unfortunately, this was a quiet summer for The Judges’ Table. While I would have loved to do some new throwback events, my schedule just didn’t allow it.

Between the Junior Grand Prix, test skates, and a slew of senior Bs, figure skating is slowly dialing up towards what should be a bloodbath of a Grand Prix and nationals season. What better way to prepare than to look back at the best performances of last season? As a bonus, reading through the judges’ thoughts gives you a pretty good idea of what happened throughout the entirety of last season, instead of justthe things we all remember from the end. Before you declare 2016-2017 clinically dead, let’s take a trip down memory lane.

Included in this list are the skates that the judges decided were the “best performances” at each event. Since some judges listed more than one skate as the “best performance,” I usually took the first or most convenient one listed. Sometimes, a skater’s free and short were both listed; I generally picked one or the other. Some of the descriptions are lightly edited from their original post.Continue reading →